Will PSP knock out iPod? What should iPod do?

[fener]

During the month of November, Sony's highly anticipated portable gaming/music/video (media) center is coming out.

At first, it seems that PlayStation Portable (PSP) is not in the same category as iPod. Is that true? THe thing is, it is a portable gadget, and, most people do not spend extra dollars to buy separate gadgets. They always look for ALL IN ONE.

PSP's retail configurations are confirmed by Sony, and PSP is going kick some serious **tt:


FORMATS PSP Game (full function)
UMD Audio (codecs: ATRAC3plus, PCM, <MPEG4 AVC>)
UMD Video (codecs: MPEG4 AVC, ATRAC3plus, PNG
subtitles)


PSP has a gorgeous 4.3 " screen , with a 16:9 ratio, perfect for watching widescreen movies. It can play movies that use MPEG4 codec.

It can play music files that use MPEG4 codec.

PSP is also wireless:

MAIN I/O IEEE802.11b (Wi-Fi) standards
USB 2.0 (Target)
Memory Stick PRO Duo
IrDA
IR Remote (SIRCS standards)

As now, iPod is a big hit all around the world. Even it is lacking a colored screen, ability to view pictures and watch movies, it has a huge market share that makes all of its competitors envy.

iPod has seen minor updates since its debut. Better battery life, click wheel, ability to record, etc are of course great improvements. However, iPod didn't see any major updates, such as colored screen, user replaceable battery, support to play movies, support for wireless streaming etc.

PSP is aiming directly for the top, where iPod is currently located in the portable market.

Will Apple be able to hold onto the crown?
Do you think minor updates are enough?
What should Apple do/release in the near future?
PSP is coming, oh yeah. Are you one of those enthusiasts?

[strider42]

From what I can see, it doesn't have an internal hard drive for audio, it uses proprietary sony memory, up to about 1.8 gigs according to arstechnica.com Thats not that impressive.

And you're wrong, peopel don't spend extra money to get all in one devices. They spend extra money to get good devices. If the convergence makes sense, people will buy it. Do people really want a gaming machine and audio player. Maybe. The gaming aspect sure sucks the batteries down, which makes it a lot less useful. And if it still won't have the interface of iTunes or the iPod itself. And sorry no 4.3 inch screen is perfect for watching any kind of video. its way too small to be of any realy use for that. More useful would be the ability to connect to a TV, but of course, the size of the memory from wat 've read means you woudln't get much in the way of movies on there anyway. The PSP is also substantially alrger and heavier.

Sony is aiming at a totally different market in my opinion, and I don't really see anything that shoudl affect the iPod. its going after nintendo, not apple with this one.

[Elan0204]

Sony is aiming at a totally different market in my opinion, and I don't really see anything that shoudl affect the iPod.

Agreed. I think Sony is marketing the PSP as a portable video game system, at least for now. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Sony does try to branch out, but I really don't think iPod has anything to worry about right now.

Nintendo, on the other hand, could have a problem. No one has been able to beat the GameBoy yet, but if anyone can do it, Sony can.

[Ugg]

iPod has seen minor updates since its debut. Better battery life, click wheel, ability to record, etc are of course great improvements. However, iPod didn't see any major updates, such as colored screen, user replaceable battery, support to play movies, support for wireless streaming etc.

PSP is aiming directly for the top, where iPod is currently located in the portable market.

Will Apple be able to hold onto the crown?
Do you think minor updates are enough?
What should Apple do/release in the near future?
PSP is coming, oh yeah. Are you one of those enthusiasts?

I'm not a gamer so PSP would not appeal to me at all. Nor do I want a gameboy/iPod/phone/PDA/Laptop. I love my iPod, it does everything I want it to do and more. My phone is great as it is and I don't want some huge and hugely complicated machine with a keyboard best suited to a 2 year old's fingers. I don't feel that I'm lugging around too much and don't want to pay a small fortune for the privilege of only carrying around one object.

With that said, the only way the iPod is going to come out on top is if Apple continually innovates. I don't see that as a problem, that is what they do best. Even though there may be a market for such a product, I think the major problem is one of battery life and small screen size. Until e-paper arrives, I'm not going to buy a portable digital video player. What's the point in spending hundreds of dollars just so that I can watch a movie on a miniscule screen?

I've been a little harsh in my assessment but I really do think that there need to be some major leaps in technology before such a device would appeal to enough buyers to make it profitable. I also don't see Apple going into the gaming market. Sony and MS have had a tough time making any money on their hardware.

There's also the issue of DRM. Sony has backed off from its exclusive use of ATRAC but the Sony music store doesn't seem to be drawing that many people in so...... I think such a multiuse machine is a ways away before it gains any significant user base. Of course, I could be wrong! I wasn't overly excited about the iPod when it came out but I don't think I could live without it now.

[Counterfit]

I don't think the PSP is even a threat to the Gameboy's supremacy in the handheld gaming market. I recall hearing lots of "N-Gage is going to topple GameBoy" type stuff not that long ago... :rolleyes:

[Bigheadache]

Convergence between devices will happen, but like Strider says, the product still has to be good. If you want an example of market failure, look at the Nokia N Gage, in theory a phone combined with a game machine with a good brand like nokia should be a monster hit in the youth market, unfortunately its not a very well designed product.

Anyway, i don't believe Sony are capable of designing an iPod killer. Sony only dominate by being first in a segment (eg Walkman). Where they have had to follow they haven't been successful (eg memory stick technology to replace other media, minidisc players to replace discmans), either due to lack of following standards or making up proprietary ones and not licensing them widely to others. They only dominated with the original playstation by aiming at a slightly different market segment than nintendo and the console sector as a whole supports closed architectures and is conducive to restrictive licensing.

[pyrotoaster]

The PSP isn't even a threat to Nintendo, and that's the company Sony's trying to take out with it.

Here's what we know about the PSP:
- It's not going to be available this holiday season (unlike the iPod, iPod mini, and Nintendo DS)
- It's probably not going to have a very good battery life (Sony still won't comment on how long a battery can keep something as high-tech as the PSP powered)
- It's going to rely heavily on a proprietary media (for games, movies, music, et cetera)
- It ain't gonna be cheap ;)

In all fairness, an iPod isn't cheap either, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming the top mp3 player in the country.

The PSP is only going to appeal to high-end gamers who are willing to shell out the cash for it. Nintendo is going to stay dominant in the handheld gaming industry because the DS will be out in November and costs under $150 (estimates put the PSP at over $400).

Point is, the PSP is no threat to iPod. Don't worry. :D

[rainman::|:|]

portable video has no place in the average consumer's life. that's why the iPod has remained audio-only. Where does the average person want video? Driving down the street? Jogging? At work? No, it's a niche product, until a better video system comes to market...

paul

[1rottenapple]

OHhh I want the PSP. No not to replace the ipod, but the games looks really good.

In regards to the topic, two totally different mediums.

[~Shard~]

I don't see the PSP having anything to do with the iPod really, they're different devices marketed at different segments of consumers with different needs. If anyone should be concerned it's Nintendo, not Apple, and even then, Nintendo really has nothing to worry about in my opinion!

To me this is a non-issue - or am I missing something? :confused:

[Devie]

Nintendo DS>PSP :D

[Coolvirus007]

I used the PSP at the Tokyo Game Show and i have to, ITS AWESOME. Besides that, it will not affect the iPod because its not an MP3 player. It will kick gameboy advance's ass though regarding screen resolution and other tech specs.

[GroundLoop]

I used the PSP at the Tokyo Game Show and i have to, ITS AWESOME. Besides that, it will not affect the iPod because its not an MP3 player. It will kick gameboy advance's ass though regarding screen resolution and other tech specs.

Tech specs mean absolutely nothing though. Sega has almost always had technically superior gaming consoles compared to Nintendo. Where did it get them?

Hickman

[SilentPanda]

I don't think the PSP is even a threat to the Gameboy's supremacy in the handheld gaming market. I recall hearing lots of "N-Gage is going to topple GameBoy" type stuff not that long ago... :rolleyes:

What is this N-Gage you speak of?


:p

[Abstract]

You know....the N-Gage!! Its that thing that does stuff....

[~Shard~]

You know....the N-Gage!! Its that thing that does stuff....

... not very well...

[Coolvirus007]

Tech specs mean absolutely nothing though. Sega has almost always had technically superior gaming consoles compared to Nintendo. Where did it get them?

Hickman

That's my point. I would have said "It will kick Gameboy's ass." when I realized Gameboys are less expensive and has more people playing it that maybe, the PSP might not make it big. So in order to make my statement absolutely true, I added the "tech specs" bit.

[Chaszmyr]

THe thing is, it is a portable gadget, and, most people do not spend extra dollars to buy separate gadgets. They always look for ALL IN ONE.

The more important thing is, most of those people subsequently realize that all-in-one gadgets suck.

[½win½lin]

It is not entirely a matter of functionality. Music competes with movies and video games for the consumer buck.

Winter will soon be upon us. Christmas is coming. PSP and iPod are going to be in the shops.

The question is, which one is going to higher up the list on the letters to St. Nick?

[zelmo]

It is not entirely a matter of functionality. Music competes with movies and video games for the consumer buck.

Winter will soon be upon us. Christmas is coming. PSP and iPod are going to be in the shops.

The question is, which one is going to higher up the list on the letters to St. Nick?

PSP is only coming out in Japan this fall. I think the rest of the world gets it in the Spring of '05.

PSP has darned little, if anything to do with iPod, anyway. No real convergence here people, move along.

Does anyone know if the DS, which is coming in November BTW, is marketed as the Nintendo DS or the Nintendo Gameboy DS? I think it'll make a difference to parents out looking for little Jimmy's new toy if it has the word Gameboy in the title.

[cmoney]

I'm looking forward to the PSP. And honestly I think it'll take over at least some of my iPod usage. I'm thinking that the PSP will take over the majority of my gaming. I just don't have the time anymore to sit down and plop in front of the TV for hours on end. But if I have a little gaming device, I can squeeze in some games here and there and use it for music while at the office, etc. I already do this with my Sidekick. And I know if I'm on a train, I don't see myself going through the hassle of playing my PSP, then switching it off, putting it away, hooking up my headphones to my iPod, go back to the PSP, etc. I'm gonna want one device. If the PSP can handle a gig of music, that'd be just enough to not get bored.

But aren't there rumors that the PSP won't be out this November after all? And besides, it's probably not gonna be around for this holiday season anyway.

Aside: my dream device? A Sidekick-like device with a keyboard and phone, a screen the size of the PSP, built-in iTunes support a la the Motorola/Apple thing they announced earlier this year, and make it black and sleek looking like the PSP, oh and throw in the megapixel camera from the Nokia 7610, all with integrated software syncing like Apple's app suite. I'd pay $1k for that device!

[Counterfit]

I'm looking forward to the PSP. And honestly I think it'll take over at least some of my iPod usage. I'm thinking that the PSP will take over the majority of my gaming. I just don't have the time anymore to sit down and plop in front of the TV for hours on end. But if I have a little gaming device, I can squeeze in some games here and there and use it for music while at the office, etc. I already do this with my Sidekick. And I know if I'm on a train, I don't see myself going through the hassle of playing my PSP, then switching it off, putting it away, hooking up my headphones to my iPod, go back to the PSP, etc. I'm gonna want one device. If the PSP can handle a gig of music, that'd be just enough to not get bored.

But aren't there rumors that the PSP won't be out this November after all? And besides, it's probably not gonna be around for this holiday season anyway.

Aside: my dream device? A Sidekick-like device with a keyboard and phone, a screen the size of the PSP, built-in iTunes support a la the Motorola/Apple thing they announced earlier this year, and make it black and sleek looking like the PSP, oh and throw in the megapixel camera from the Nokia 7610, all with integrated software syncing like Apple's app suite. I'd pay $1k for that device! Uh, have you been living under a rock forever? The GameBoy has been around for 13 years. (or 15 if you're in Japan ;))

[cmoney]

i want some adult games or at least something not aimed at 8 year olds. mary kate and ashley go to the mall is not my idea of a game (although you could now theoretically make that an adult game :eek: ). there are a few out there for the gameboy advance and that's why i've got a gameboy advance sp but still...

[~Shard~]

i want some adult games or at least something not aimed at 8 year olds. mary kate and ashley go to the mall is not my idea of a game (although you could now theoretically make that an adult game :eek: ). there are a few out there for the gameboy advance and that's why i've got a gameboy advance sp but still...

Well, if you want something with more of a mature rating you could always lobby Sony to release "Thrill Kill" on the PSP, since it never quite made it out on the PSX. ;) Ah, now that was a great game - maybe I'll fire it up again and get good old Tormentor and Cleetus back in action... what a beautiful game... :cool:

[neoelectronaut]

During the month of November, Sony's highly anticipated portable gaming/music/video (media) center is coming out.

You mean November 2005, right? No way in hell it's gona be out in November of this year, or this year at all. The Nintendo DS will be though, and will grab the market :D

From what I can see, it doesn't have an internal hard drive for audio, it uses proprietary sony memory, up to about 1.8 gigs according to arstechnica.com Thats not that impressive.


Bingo. And not only is there no internal HD, but you have to give Sony more money and buy their own memory product.

OHhh I want the PSP. No not to replace the ipod, but the games looks really good.

Yay Metal Gear Card Game! ...You're joking, right?

i want some adult games or at least something not aimed at 8 year olds. mary kate and ashley go to the mall is not my idea of a game (although you could now theoretically make that an adult game ). there are a few out there for the gameboy advance and that's why i've got a gameboy advance sp but still...

Aw, is the poor baby embaressed to be seen playing The Legend of Zelda in public?

I'm guessing you're one of those "Unless it has guns, strippers, or blood, it's a kiddy game." kind of people...

That's a shame, really.

Also, 90% of the games that are being released for the PSP are simply ports of existing PS2 games, or games that will be simultaneously released on the PSP and PS2. Would you buy the same game twice? Considering they'll be the same price, which would you rather buy? A game to play on your home console with a giant screen and a kickin' sound system, or one to play on a tiny 4-inch screen? Also, the idea of Sony releasing movies on those little UMDs is a complete joke. Who is gonna buy movies on those little things that will only be able to play on the PSP? Kinda reminds me of the DIVX DVDs...

Most of all, I simply don't see the battery life on the PSP being that great. The Game Gear had like a 2-hour battery life on 6 AAs, and the Gameboy had over 10 hours on 4 AAs. The Game Gear was technically superior, but hey, which is still around 10 years later? I think this is is what's going to happen with the PSP. It'll sell well for a little while, but after a year or so people will just give up. Can anyone say N-Gage?

In the end, it's like this. If you want a handheld system that plays great games, great ORIGINAL games, get a Nintendo DS.

If you want a handheld that's 90% flash and no substance, a handheld that's not of much use other than saying "hey look, I'm cool, I have a PSP", get a PSP.

Great Games vs. Great Graphics?

Which would you rather?

[~Shard~]

Most of all, I simply don't see the battery life on the PSP being that great. The Game Gear had like a 2-hour battery life on 6 AAs, and the Gameboy had over 10 hours on 4 AAs. The Game Gear was technically superior, but hey, which is still around 10 years later? I think this is is what's going to happen with the PSP. It'll sell well for a little while, but after a year or so people will just give up. Can anyone say N-Gage?

To quote a previous poster, what the hell is an N-Gage? ;) :cool:

[mvc]

To quote a previous poster, what the hell is an N-Gage? ;) :cool:

A weird Nokia phone/game/media device so lamely implemented when it originally came out that it spawned a whole new behaviour/term of abuse - sidetalking (http://www.sidetalkin.com/)

You just have to go there to see why this is soo wrong ;)

[Chip NoVaMac]

portable video has no place in the average consumer's life. that's why the iPod has remained audio-only. Where does the average person want video? Driving down the street? Jogging? At work? No, it's a niche product, until a better video system comes to market...

paul

Portable video does have a place IMO. Look at the number of portable DVD players out there. What has kept many from adopting it is the size. So the PSP is a device that might find a home with the road warrior. Sitting on the train/subway, or waiting for a flight and so on.

The shame of the PSP is that it uses the MemoryStick. Also there are issues with copyright laws now, that would make it hard to "legally" transfer a video to the PSP.

[Chip NoVaMac]

I don't see the PSP having anything to do with the iPod really, they're different devices marketed at different segments of consumers with different needs. If anyone should be concerned it's Nintendo, not Apple, and even then, Nintendo really has nothing to worry about in my opinion!

To me this is a non-issue - or am I missing something? :confused:

Unless I missed it, I didn't see a HDD as standard in the PSP. That would be a limiting audio/video feature for me.

[Chip NoVaMac]

It is not entirely a matter of functionality. Music competes with movies and video games for the consumer buck.

Winter will soon be upon us. Christmas is coming. PSP and iPod are going to be in the shops.

The question is, which one is going to higher up the list on the letters to St. Nick?

Both perhaps. Sony and Nintendo both are known for lack of product at rollout. Expect to see the PSP on eBay at two to three times the store price for those that have to deliver for St. Nick.

[~Shard~]

Unless I missed it, I didn't see a HDD as standard in the PSP. That would be a limiting audio/video feature for me.

I think someone mentioned it had a 1 GB drive or something... not very big in any case...

[cmoney]

I think someone mentioned it had a 1 GB drive or something... not very big in any case...

no, no hard drive. instead it's a proprietary disc format and memory stick duo.

[cmoney]

Aw, is the poor baby embaressed to be seen playing The Legend of Zelda in public?

I'm guessing you're one of those "Unless it has guns, strippers, or blood, it's a kiddy game." kind of people...

That's a shame, really.


ooh a nintendo zealot! poor baby? was that necessary?

a lower price and the promise of "better" original gaming hasn't helped the game cube reach overwhelming dominance has it?

[~Shard~]

no, no hard drive. instead it's a proprietary disc format and memory stick duo.

Ah, gotcha, so no real hard drive then. And there's that ugly word, "proprietary"... hmm, I guess AAC could be considered proprietary though too... :o

[howard]

does anyone have photos or does anyone know how big the psp will be?

thanks

[Fukui]

They only dominated with the original playstation by aiming at a slightly different market segment than nintendo and the console sector as a whole supports closed architectures and is conducive to restrictive licensing.
Sony dominated because of Nintendo's mistakes, and not much else. Most specifically, no CDROM on the 64! (That and pissing of 3rd parties with high licence fees) Sony dominates because of the best 3rd party support in the world....

Going back to the subject, I think if PSP takes market from the iPod, it won't because its in iPod's market, but instead will be seen as a choice between someone's limited money... do I buy a music player or a game player? They don't really compete in the same "market place" (MP3 Players), but they do compete for the same users.

[cmoney]

does anyone have photos or does anyone know how big the psp will be?

thanks


http://mediaviewer.ign.com/ignMediaPage.jsp?media_id=2362532&article_id=549978&channel_id=515&page_title=TGS+2004%3A+PSP+Hands-On&adtag=network%3Dign%26size%3D468x60%26channel%3Dpsp%26site%3Dpsp_hub%26channel%3Dnews%26type%3Dpartn er

more at psp.ign.com

[neoelectronaut]

ooh a nintendo zealot! poor baby? was that necessary?

a lower price and the promise of "better" original gaming hasn't helped the game cube reach overwhelming dominance has it?

Correct. I'm indeed as much of a Nintendo zealot as much as I am a Apple zealot.

Anyone that complains about "too many kiddie games" is just an idiot. No, the reason that the Gamecube hasn't reached dominance is because 80% of the "mainstream" audience doesn't give a flying fart about good games. They just care how many guns you get, how much blood there is, or how much you kill people. That, or it has to have "good" graphics.

This is also why the Dreamcast failed. Too many people were brought in by the PS2's hype, thinking it'd be an end-all system, that they passed up the DC. When the PS2 showed up, it didn't have a damn good game for over a year, becoming an $300 DVD player.

I shall now turn to a Penny-Arcade comic strip(s) to illustrate my point.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2001/20010606l.gif
http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2001/20010608l.gif

[wide]

Sony's "innovative" products never amount to what they say. When was the last time any of you saw someone with that new Sony MP3 player that was also supposed to be an iPod killer?

[cmoney]

so EVERY SINGLE PS2 game sucks? and EVERY SINGLE gamecube game is god?

too many kiddie games isn't my argument. not enough normal people games is. there's a difference. if you can't figure that out, your the idiot.

[howard]

hmm, the specs look cool but...

the design is butt ugly! why oh why hasn't sony changed the playstation's design in the last god knows how many years they have been selling them. Their controls suck and they keep making them!

also, can you hook this up to a tv? that would make it a bit cooler as far as functionality goes but the design is really bad

[neoelectronaut]

so EVERY SINGLE PS2 game sucks? and EVERY SINGLE gamecube game is god?

too many kiddie games isn't my argument. not enough normal people games is. there's a difference. if you can't figure that out, your the idiot.

No, it's just the ratio is different.

On the Gamecube, the good game to bad game ratio is around 50/50, where on the PS2 it's more around 30/70.

For example, name a good first-party game on the PS2. Okay, Gran Turismo 3. What else? Can't think of much else, can ya? If it wasn't for third parties the PS2 would simply shrivel up and die. Nintendo makes great first party games, plus the great third-party support they get. It's a win/win.

(The following is refering to the GBA) Not enough normal games? What's your definition of a "normal" game? Are Metroid Fusion, Megaman Zero, Doom II, Castlevania, The Legend of Zelda, and Sonic Advance not "normal" enough for you?

[DEXTERITY]

working for Nintendo I can tell you this. THE psp won't be out this year. They will be lucky if it is out by March or April like they hope. The PSP has overheating issues and battery life issues. That is the reason it is so far behind schedule. also, the cheapest it could hit the market would be $300. however, I have heard some at Sony say 250. Either way it won't replace the ipod. Plus it is using a new format which isn't even supported by anyone yet except Sony.

The DS will be out Nov 21st and is 150. Amazingly cheap for somethign that has a touch screen, bluetooth, wi fi and is wireless, not to mention voice recognition and is backward compatible with the GBA.

[Fukui]

What? Doom II is on GBA??? Is it good?

[neoelectronaut]

What? Doom II is on GBA??? Is it good?

Very good.

There's even a 2-player co-op, and of course 4-player deathmatch modes.

Doom (http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/166/166301p1.html)

Doom II (http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/377/377220p1.html)

[~Shard~]

working for Nintendo I can tell you this. THE psp won't be out this year. They will be lucky if it is out by March or April like they hope. The PSP has overheating issues and battery life issues. That is the reason it is so far behind schedule. also, the cheapest it could hit the market would be $300. however, I have heard some at Sony say 250. Either way it won't replace the ipod. Plus it is using a new format which isn't even supported by anyone yet except Sony.

The DS will be out Nov 21st and is 150. Amazingly cheap for somethign that has a touch screen, bluetooth, wi fi and is wireless, not to mention voice recognition and is backward compatible with the GBA.

That's quite the sell-job - you must work in Nintendo's Marketing department! ;) :cool:

[agreenster]

They always look for ALL IN ONE. [/B]

Why do people believe this rubbish? How many of you refuse to own an iPod because your cell phone can store and play MP3's?

Anyone?

Anyone?

[StealthRider]

Sony dominates because of the best 3rd party support in the world....


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!!!!!!!!!

Oh that's funny. ATRAC3/NO MP3 support natively on their music players, proprietary software for their music store, songs can only be played on THEIR MP3 players, and their Playstation 2s can barely play standard DVDs. Oh yeah. 3rd party support. Right.

[Fukui]

Oh that's funny. ATRAC3/NO MP3 support natively on their music players, proprietary software for their music store, songs can only be played on THEIR MP3 players, and their Playstation 2s can barely play standard DVDs.

Oh yeah. 3rd party support. Right.
Well, PS1 and PS2 definitely count here. PSP may be another story. I didn't say they WILL dominate because of 3rd party, all I said was NOW they do... Though in terms of Handhelds, PSP's 3rd party support will be a show of how vulnerable sony is here...

And, just to convey my opinion. The PSP looks damn nice. That screen is just gorgeous, BUT, if you look at the snapshots from different angles, you'll notice that the LCD colors invert... bad memories of Sega's Game Gear come to mind (you have to be straight on to see the screen at all)... I don't know about DS. TBO, the games for DS really look fun. Not just cool, but fun as in puts a smile on your face.

Did anyone see that game where you blow (I mean with your mouth!) in a game to get sand off a girl your trying to "impress?" So funny! Or scratch crabs running up her legs with the touch screen? That kind of stuff makes me smile and enjoy... PSP seems to have more (graphically stunning) but conventional stuff, which isn't bad, but I have a feeling DS would surprise a lot of people...

[tliptak]

working for Nintendo I can tell you this. THE psp won't be out this year. They will be lucky if it is out by March or April like they hope. The PSP has overheating issues and battery life issues. That is the reason it is so far behind schedule. also, the cheapest it could hit the market would be $300. however, I have heard some at Sony say 250. Either way it won't replace the ipod. Plus it is using a new format which isn't even supported by anyone yet except Sony.

The DS will be out Nov 21st and is 150. Amazingly cheap for somethign that has a touch screen, bluetooth, wi fi and is wireless, not to mention voice recognition and is backward compatible with the GBA.

And will it be mac compatible?

[~Shard~]

And, just to convey my opinion. The PSP looks damn nice.

Along those lines, has everyone here seen the new PS2 (http://www.engadget.com/entry/8413288107686276/)? It's quite smaller than its predecessor!

[DEXTERITY]

lol, I do work in Marketing/Merchandising. it will sync via wi fi if you have a wirless router and the bluetooth should work as well. The wi fi will work in hot spots. If you are in a starbucks in Cali and someone is in Florida you can play them. Also, the wirless range itself is 100 ft and the DS will wake up out of stand by mode and notify you if someone is within 100ft of you with another DS. Furthermore, the multi-player games are being made so you only need one game pack to play head to head wirless. the other users can download the information and play. of course, once they leave the area they leave the game. this should be programmed in most games coming out, if not all. Moreoever, there will be a pretty big announcement i think mid october related to the wi fi and wirless capabilities.. but that isn't official or anything Nintendo is saying.

[DEXTERITY]

I am not one to bash Sony but the new ps2 doesn't even support the hard drive. they may claim the hard drive isn't selling (it isn't because they don't support it), but one of their most popular games, Socom 2, has three new maps coming out which need the hard drive. So essentially they are saying screw all you new customers we don't want you to purchase the new ps2 or the hard drive nor buy socom 2. That is pretty stupid if you ask me. they claim most of the hard core gamers already have an old ps2 so it won't be an issue. damn sucks to be a new customer purchasing a ps2 that has a desire to play socom 2. anyways.. the new design does look nice at least.

[~Shard~]

lol, I do work in Marketing/Merchandising.

I can spot you guys a mile away... ;)

And thanks for the info as well, it's interesting stuff...

[DEXTERITY]

lol, good instincts.. no problem at all, thanks.. glad I could speak of something that interests me on here besides computers..

[Fukui]

Along those lines, has everyone here seen the new PS2 (http://www.engadget.com/entry/8413288107686276/)? It's quite smaller than its predecessor!
Yea, just saw it. Thought it was gonna be something like the PSone (nicer looking), boy was I wrong! They should have let thier PSP team do the redesign.

BTW, to the marketing/sales guy. I like the DS, a lot, but you should take a long hard look at the PSP design... that thing is slick! DS could look a lot better than it does.. not that it affects the game quality or anything...

[~Shard~]

In case they haven't been posted in this thread yet... Gotta say the PSP looks better, but looks aren't always what matters... :cool:

And for fun, the official picture of the PS3... :eek: ;)

[~Shard~]

Yea, just saw it. Thought it was gonna be something like the PSone (nicer looking), boy was I wrong! They should have let thier PSP team do the redesign.

Yah, it's pretty much just an anorexic version of the original PS2...

[DEXTERITY]

I like the DS. if you don't like the way it looks now, you guys would have really hated the original design. it wasn't as sleek.

too bad I don't have a scanner here, I could have posted how it used to look. you can probably find it online. the DS is really nice to me. sleek. the stylus even has its own hole it goes into so you don't lose it. The psp is nice, but its huge as hell. and that nice big old screen and the little umd disks or whatever they are will sure kill the battery lol.. no its nice looking, but its big and the screen has no protection for it. the ds's two screens really take it beyond the psp especially with the options when it comes to game play (with the touch screen) and a unique experience. you don't even have to power it off. just close the screen and it goes into a real deep sleep mode.. anyways off track again lol. and there will be more colors after the inital launch.

[topicolo]

most people do not spend extra dollars to buy separate gadgets. They always look for ALL IN ONE.
[/B]

The problem with this type of speculation is that your initial assumption is flawed. You're basing what most people would do on your own preferences (and maybe the preferences of a few friends). What about all the parents who just want to get their ipod-owning kid a new toy, the gadget nerd who walks around with an ipod, a gameboy advance, and a cell phone clipped to his belt, or the technophobe who just wants a simple device that does what it's supposed to, easily (ipod)?

I'm pretty sure that most people out there don't know that the PSP can play music files at all and on top of that, unless Sony has an easy way of loading music onto the PSP with their proprietary disks, most people wouldn't even consider the PSP as a music device.

[~Shard~]

I like the DS. if you don't like the way it looks now, you guys would have really hated the original design. it wasn't as sleek.

too bad I don't have a scanner here, I could have posted how it used to look. you can probably find it online. the DS is really nice to me. sleek. the stylus even has its own hole it goes into so you don't lose it. The psp is nice, but its huge as hell. and that nice big old screen and the little umd disks or whatever they are will sure kill the battery lol.. no its nice looking, but its big and the screen has no protection for it. the ds's two screens really take it beyond the psp especially with the options when it comes to game play (with the touch screen) and a unique experience. you don't even have to power it off. just close the screen and it goes into a real deep sleep mode.. anyways off track again lol. and there will be more colors after the inital launch.

The DS does look good, don't get me wrong - there's just something more "minimalist" with the PS2 in some respect that I like. Personal preference, that's all. But I know you're going to try and sell me on the DS regardless... ;)

[DEXTERITY]

lol, thanks. I try :) if anything else developes I will let you know. oh well besides the fact we have a one year warranty on all Nintendo hardware, unlike sony and Xbox 90 days. and we all know how notorious ps2' are for breaking. God forbid you drop the psp lmao...

[~Shard~]

lol, thanks. I try :) if anything else developes I will let you know. oh well besides the fact we have a one year warranty on all Nintendo hardware, unlike sony and Xbox 90 days. and we all know how notorious ps2' are for breaking. God forbid you drop the psp lmao...

You aggressive marketing/sales guys, I tell ya... ;)

I can at least counter one of your statements, for what it’s worth – I bought my PS2 on the day they were released oh-so many years ago and I haven’t had one problem with it! (Or maybe I’m just the exception then... ;))

[neoelectronaut]

lol, thanks. I try :) if anything else developes I will let you know. oh well besides the fact we have a one year warranty on all Nintendo hardware, unlike sony and Xbox 90 days. and we all know how notorious ps2' are for breaking. God forbid you drop the psp lmao...

Although I typically find that you don't need a warranty at all with Nintendo products. NES aside, those things are built like tanks. My gameboy pocket has been dropped in toilets, left outside in the rain, and multitudes of other situations, and, a few dings and scratches aside, works perfectly.

[~Shard~]

Although I typically find that you don't need a warranty at all with Nintendo products. NES aside, those things are built like tanks. My gameboy pocket has been dropped in toilets, left outside in the rain, and multitudes of other situations, and, a few dings and scratches aside, works perfectly.

Actually, I wouldn't even go so far as to say "NES aside" - I still have my original NES and it works just as good as they day I got it oh-so many years ago. Hmm, maybe I'll go play a game of Contra, Double Dragon II or Tecmo Bowl... :cool:

[neoelectronaut]

Actually, I wouldn't even go so far as to say "NES aside" - I still have my original NES and it works just as good as they day I got it oh-so many years ago. Hmm, maybe I'll go play a game of Contra, Double Dragon II or Tecmo Bowl... :cool:

Well, I play mine quite a bit too....

...so don't get me wrong, the NES is good too, it's just the connector pins get bent way too easily and the whole thing is just sometimes a little flaky.

But hey, it was NOA's first console. They were teething at the time.

[Hlau]

The DS can do with being a bit sleeker, but it's Nintendo you know, they have to save something for the DS SP in a years time. The PSP does look sleek, if only because it's shiny like the iPod, but I can see the screen being scratched within a day. It's disc ejecting mechanism isn't that smooth either. I dunno, the PSP is too big to carry in your pocket, but it feels too fragile (and probably too expensive) to just throw in your bag like a Game Boy or DS.

[FelixDerKater]

What should iPod do?!

It should stay in my pocket and play the music I want it to play.

[DEXTERITY]

lol, we try. Have to promote our stuff. and it is true, Nintendo products hardly break unless the user cracks the screen or damages it themselves. I have dropped SP's on hard floors in stores and they still work perfectly fine. Man, can't wait until November. let the fun begin and I can't wait for my new G5 to hurry up and ship. call me broke now lol :D

[DEXTERITY]

since someone else already leaked this info online in another forum, I feel safe re-posting it here as I didn't post it first.


if you want to check out the DS, we will begin installing them in the following stores between Nov 10th and the 15th :Target, Best Buy, Walmart, EB and GS. The only clue I will give is that we insall them in Target first. I won't list the specific dates for the other accounts (just to play it safe). remaining accounts after these dates..

[~Shard~]

since someone else already leaked this info online in another forum, I feel safe re-posting it here as I didn't post it first.


if you want to check out the DS, we will begin installing them in the following stores between Nov 10th and the 15th :Target, Best Buy, Walmart, EB and GS. The only clue I will give is that we insall them in Target first. I won't list the specific dates for the other accounts (just to play it safe). remaining accounts after these dates..

Thanks for the head's up, I'll definitely keep my eyes open for them and give them a try! And try to break them... :p ;)

[DEXTERITY]

no problem. you can't break them lol..

[OziMac]

Although I typically find that you don't need a warranty at all with Nintendo products. NES aside, those things are built like tanks. My gameboy pocket has been dropped in toilets, left outside in the rain, and multitudes of other situations, and, a few dings and scratches aside, works perfectly.

Amen to that - my original Gameboy is pushing 15 years old and still works a treat - still playing Tetris on it after all this time... wish I could say the same for the longeivity of some of the games on my PS2...

[~Shard~]

no problem. you can't break them lol..

How did I know you were going to say that? ;)

Doesn't surprise me though, as I said above my original NES is still working fine whenever I fire it up. I'll definitely be holding onto that, maybe it'll be worth something someday... :cool:

[HiRez]

The DS does look good, don't get me wrong - there's just something more "minimalist" with the PS2 in some respect that I like.I agree, if those two devices were sitting in front of me on a table, I'd pick up the PSP to play with first. The DS design is a bit goofy IMO, a tiny bit "Homer car-ish". However, I wonder what protects the PSP's screen? Seems like it would get scuffed up, and the DS handily folds up to protect its screens. Also I believe the PSP is larger; unless you have freakishly-large pockets that thing isn't gonna fit in 'em.

Please don't bash people for the games they prefer. If they don't happen to like Zelda/Mario-type games, and prefer ones with guns and carnage, who the ******* are you to say they're wrong because they don't like the same games you do? I used to hate FPS games (and anything involving shooting stuff) and I admit I sometimes bashed people for it. Then I played Medal of Honor Allied Assault and got completely hooked. After that came MoH:Frontline, RTCW, CoD, Red Faction...even Halo is cool. I still play Zelda games but variety is nice and there is truly something refreshing about pumping Nazis full of holes!

[MacBandit]

The difference in size between the PSP and DS is pretty much insignificant. The PSP is .84" longer and smaller in the other two dimensions. I for one think the size is okay since it makes up for all the failings of the Gameboy which are poor screen size and resolution and crummy 2d graphics which haven't improved much since the Gameboy first came out.

The Gameboy Dual Screen has the following dimensions. 148.7mm[5.85"] (L), 84.7mm[3.33"] (D), 28.9mm[1.14"] (D)

The PSP is as follows. 170mm[6.69"] (L) x 74mm[2.91"] (W) x 23mm[.91"] (D)

In actuality the PSP is smaller.

DS total volume = 22.2 cubic inches
PSP total volume = 17.72 cubic inches

[DEXTERITY]

If anyone has any questions on the DS I received mine today. I will highlight some things out of the instruction book:

The DS charger will also charge the SP, but thats all. so for anyone who loses their gba SP's chargers you don't have to worry about purchasing another one. i actually think this charger will be sold seperate as well.

The DS will come with a wrist strap that serves also as a way to play certain games that require you to rub your finger over the screen. The end of the wrist strap will have a plastic pad attached to it that can be used on the touch screen. The pad is designed for use on games that work better with a sliding type of control.
The wrist strap is actually optional, but I think when the system first launches it will include the wrist strap and extra stylus.

The metroid Demo looks great. Using the stylus actually isn't that difficult to do in the game while shooting. Definitely gives it a unique feel.

Charge time 4 hours

Max distance between two DS's should be 65 feet but I have 100 feet is possible (not gauranteed) There is a wireless signal strength meter.

Pictochat - up to 16 people can be in one of four chat rooms.

you can assign your DS a user name whcih appears during pictochat and on your DS.

That is all I can think of for now. oh yeah you can also choose (for gba games) which screen you want the game to appear on.

[Will Curran]

If PSP has ANY chance to being up there with the iPod, I think the only thing iPod would have to do is make a large color screen with the ability to view video.

http://gallery.ipodlounge.com/ipod/albums/userpics/5th%20Gen%20iPod_Ad.jpg

http://gallery.ipodlounge.com/ipod/albums/userpics/07.jpg

etc etc

[neoelectronaut]

If anyone has any questions on the DS I received mine today. I will highlight some things out of the instruction book:

The DS charger will also charge the SP, but thats all. so for anyone who loses their gba SP's chargers you don't have to worry about purchasing another one. i actually think this charger will be sold seperate as well.

The DS will come with a wrist strap that serves also as a way to play certain games that require you to rub your finger over the screen. The end of the wrist strap will have a plastic pad attached to it that can be used on the touch screen. The pad is designed for use on games that work better with a sliding type of control.
The wrist strap is actually optional, but I think when the system first launches it will include the wrist strap and extra stylus.

The metroid Demo looks great. Using the stylus actually isn't that difficult to do in the game while shooting. Definitely gives it a unique feel.

Charge time 4 hours

Max distance between two DS's should be 65 feet but I have 100 feet is possible (not gauranteed) There is a wireless signal strength meter.

Pictochat - up to 16 people can be in one of four chat rooms.

you can assign your DS a user name whcih appears during pictochat and on your DS.

That is all I can think of for now. oh yeah you can also choose (for gba games) which screen you want the game to appear on.

How the hell did you get one today? Aren't they due out like...November 20-something?

[~Shard~]

How the hell did you get one today? Aren't they due out like...November 20-something?

The guy is a Marketing dude for Nintendo - I think if anyone has one, he probably does. :cool:

[~Shard~]

If PSP has ANY chance to being up there with the iPod, I think the only thing iPod would have to do is make a large color screen with the ability to view video.

Well, the PSP doesn't really have a chance to be up there with the iPod, since it's not intended to be. As for your iPod request, Apple is slowly getting there. (http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/)

[MacBandit]

Well, the PSP doesn't really have a chance to be up there with the iPod, since it's not intended to be. As for your iPod request, Apple is slowly getting there. (http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/)

Agreed. The PSP would need an internal hard drive of at least 5GB to make any headway on the iPod market.